p38 air sep26 23/9/08 11:13 Page 38
Air
Chris Gray
020 7921 8003
cgray@ttglive.com
For the latest news about flights, airlines and airports, visit
ttglive.com/air
In brief
■ Etihad destinations ‘to double’
Etihad Airways plans to double the number of
destinations it serves to 100 by 2020. The Middle
Eastern carrier, which ordered 100 Airbus and
Boeing aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow this
year, also aims to increase its annual passenger
numbers from four million to 25 million.
■ Heathrow Express on Amadeus
Heathrow Express has teamed up with Amadeus
to allow agents to book tickets for the rail service
through the GDS. The ticket prices will be 10% AIR SOUTHWEST/AVIS DEAL: Air Southwest has signed a three-year deal with Avis Rent
less than those booked through other means. A Car. Passengers will benefit from special rates on rentals at all the airline’s destinations
across the UK and Ireland. Mike Coombes (centre), Air Southwest deputy chief executive,
■ Leeds/Bradford has shortest delays said the deal would provide customers with world-class service when renting a car
Leeds/Bradford airport had the shortest average
delay and the second best on-time performance
of 75 airports surveyed worldwide by the CAA.
The survey covered the second quarter of 2008.
Leeds/Bradford had an average delay of just over
Cheapflights calls
seven minutes and 85.5% of its flights were on
time.
for APD to be axed
■ Eastern Airways appoints Aviance
Aviance has signed a ground-handling contract
with UK regional airline Eastern Airways for its
Lee Hayhurst.
Chief executive Chris Cuddy said: “With the UK
services from Manchester airport. The deal CHEAPFLIGHTS.CO.UK has called on the chancel- economy teetering on recession, the government
means Aviance will look after the ground lor, Alistair Darling, to axe Air Passenger Duty needs to act and to act now.
requirements of Eastern Airways’ three-times-a- claiming it is putting UK airlines at risk of failure. “The aviation industry has been hit far harder
day service from Manchester to Stansted. The price comparison website said the col- than most sectors of the economy by rising oil
lapse of XL Leisure Group highlighted the need prices and infrastructure fees.
■ Qatar hires Finn as UK manager to get rid of the tax. “APD creates a double whammy for ordinary
Qatar Airways has appointed Rachel Finn as UK It said the tax was originally imposed when oil working people who are not only prevented from
area manager. Her role includes responsibility for prices were just $15.66 per barrel, whereas now flying to the sunshine but are forced to holiday
Qatar’s operations in London and Manchester. they are hovering at about $100, having recently domestically and endure the UK’s high prices.”
Finn, who will be based in London, previously hit historic highs of $150. The government is devising a replacement tax
worked for Virgin Atlantic for more than 18 years Cheapflights cited a Department for Transport to encourage better environmental practices in
in senior sales and management roles. white paper from 2003 that stated any action the airline industry.
taken to tackle flying’s environmental impact had
ttglive.com
For the very latest flights, airline and
to take into account the effects on competitive- ■ Read Cheapflights’ six reasons why Darling
airport news, go to
ttglive.com/air ness of UK aviation and the impact on consumers. should axe APD:
ttglive.com/cheapflights
Bilga Air to start Birmingham-Amritsar
NEW airline Bilga Air will launch on October 9 quickly become a success: “Following the disap- Monarch will operate the flights for Bilga Air,
with direct flights from Birmingham to Amritsar pointing news that Air India is to temporarily which will depart up to twice a week and offer
in north India. suspend its flights between Birmingham and economy and premium economy classes.
Peter Vella, director of business development India from the end October, I’m sure Bilga Air will The flight schedule will vary by season.
at Birmingham airport, believes the route will be welcomed by the Midlands Asian community.” Fares are from £575 return.
38 26.09.2008
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